IDIOMS
Mrs. Nichols
English II Pre-AP
Idioms
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

An idiom is an expression in which the words have
developed a special meaning in relation to each
other. This meaning is destroyed if some part of the
related group of words is omitted, or if some word
not commonly a part of the idiom is introduced.
For instance, we are angry with a person…not
angry at him.
We comply with a request, not comply to a request.
Idioms

The list below illustrates the usage of prepositions in
some idiomatic expressions. These idioms should be
memorized.
agree with a person
differ from something
agree to a proposal
differ with someone
agree on a plan of action overrun by a tank
aim at a target
overrun with ants
aim for perfection
wait for a person
part with a thing
part from a person
Idioms: common mistakes/corrections
Faulty form
among each other
bank on
could of
in back of
leave us go
off of, off from
in contrast to
concerned in
in regards to
being that
kind of
different than
filled up with
Correct form
among themselves
depend on, rely on, count on
could have
behind
let us go
off (omit of and from)
in contrast with
concerned with
in regard to
since
rather
different from
filled with
PARALLELISM
Mrs. Nichols
English II Pre-AP
Parallelism

Maintaining parallel structure in sentences is very
important. Parallelism is about consistency. If a
sentence begins with one construction and suddenly
shifts to another, it is lacking in parallel structure.
Incorrect:
Correct:
Correct:
He likes hiking, boating, and to run.
He likes hiking, boating, and running.
He likes to hike, to boat, and to run.
Rewrite the sentences, correcting the underlined portions
so that the sentences are parallel.
1.
Tell me his name and where he lives.
Rewrite the sentences, correcting the underlined portions
so that the sentences are parallel.
1.
He is tall, red-headed, and has freckles.
Rewrite the sentences, correcting the underlined portions
so that the sentences are parallel.
1.
I decided to go home, to get my gear, and later I
went fishing.
Rewrite the sentences, correcting the underlined portions
so that the sentences are parallel.
1.
We danced all night, laughed all day, and during
the morning all we did was cry.